I have just added this to the map of places to fly your drone at Drone Scene:
The woods is situated just minutes from Junction 47 of the M4 near Swansea. A Victorian estate was previously the home of John Dillwyn Llewewelyn the pioneering photographer and astronomer. It has mixed woodland, two lakes, seven miles of peaceful woodland walks and over 500 years of Welsh history. The site is also known for its spectacular waterfall on the River Llan, which meanders through the estate. There is ample parking which is £3 for three hours or £4 all day. It is recommended getting permission to fly your drone at email contact@penllergare.org.
The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 31/05/2026. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.
Been meaning to do Penllgare Woods for a while. Although I am local to the woods 2 hours wasn’t enough. Definitely going back when the weather improves. The one thing I didn’t get around too was the astronomy dome.
Assume you mean the Observatory - it’s in the middle of the roundabout in the housing estate just beyond the entrance to the woods car park. Not sure it would be very photogenic and is likely to upset the local residents. They get an awful lot of people parking in the estate to avoid the woods parking charges so they’ve got more than their fair share of Kevins & Karens
Many thanks for the information regarding the observary. It’s been many years since I last saw it. Then there were no house’s. As I am local I will have to see if it’s worth it.
I could have sworn I’d already added Penllergaer, but obviously didn’t, lol. Another place to park is on the A48 as there are a few spaces there, plus an entrance to the woods. On top of that is a cafe serving decent roadside nosh!
Was very surprised Penllergare Woods wasn’t on Drone Scene. Been thinking of going there for a while. Luckily I had requested permission and Saturday was the last good day. The parking by the cafe on the M48 is a good idea. Might try that higher route the next time. As I was only there for 2 hours there’s more to see and image.
I’ve just looked through my archives and I have a few DSLR shots but none from my drone, and I definitely threw her up. Best guess now is that I wasn’t happy with any of them and sent them to the great bit bucket in the sky!
Here’s one of my DSLR shots from my last visit in 2023.
There was enough room from the trees luckily. Wish I had gone a bit higher. Was too focused on making the waterfall milky in my shot. Found out my ND 128 filter wasn’t quite enough. Might purchase a ND 512 filter and try again.
